Ontario reopens more of daily life in Phase 2. It is good news, especially for faith communities. Amid the coronavirus pandemic, places of worship across the province can reopen from Friday, June 12, 2020. Social distancing must stay in place, and each can fill no more than 30% of its capacity.
This post was first published on June 8, 2020. It describes COVID-19 rules from that time, which no longer apply.
Ontario reopens places of worship
For many families, the chance to pray together again means a great deal. Churches, mosques, temples, gurdwaras and synagogues are a centre of community life. So this step brings real comfort after months apart.
Still, the rules are clear. Places of worship must keep social distancing in place, and they can fill no more than 30% of their capacity. In practice, that may mean booking a spot ahead of time, or attending a smaller service. As Ontario reopens, patience and care will help everyone stay safe.
Timing for Toronto and the GTA
The timing is not the same everywhere. According to the news, other facilities in the City of Toronto would still have to wait until June 19th, or until further notice. The same was true for most areas around the GTA and the GTHA.
This regional approach makes sense. Areas with more cases move more slowly, while others move ahead. Therefore, when Ontario reopens a sector, check whether your own region has entered Stage 2 before you make plans.
What Ontario reopens in Stage 2
The Globe and Mail listed what may reopen in regions entering Stage 2. Each must have proper health and safety measures in place. The list includes:
- Outdoor dine-in at restaurants, bars and similar places, including patios, curbside, parking lots and nearby properties.
- Some personal care services with proper safety measures, such as tattoo parlours, barber shops, hair salons and beauty salons.
- Shopping malls under existing limits, with food services open for take-out and outdoor dining only.
- Tour and guide services, such as bike, walking, bus and boat tours, plus tastings and tours at wineries, breweries and distilleries.
- Water spots such as outdoor splash pads, wading pools and all swimming pools.
- Beach access and more camping at Ontario Parks.
- Camping at private campgrounds.
- Outdoor-only sports facilities and training for outdoor team sports, with limits to allow physical distancing.
- Drive-in and drive-through venues for theatres, concerts, animal attractions and cultural events, such as art installations.
- Film and TV production, with limits to allow physical distancing.
- Weddings and funerals, with social gatherings limited to 10 people.
In short, as Ontario reopens, most of the list is outdoors, or it involves small groups. That is because outdoor settings and smaller gatherings carry less risk of spreading the virus.
What reopening means for families in Mississauga
As Ontario reopens, families can get back to some simple pleasures. For example, kids can enjoy splash pads and pools again. Parents can meet friends on a patio or get a long-overdue haircut. Meanwhile, local restaurants, salons and shops can start to earn again.
If you want to help your neighbourhood recover, support local businesses where you can. Also, keep following the safety rules, so that progress continues. Are you planning a move? Then check the current public health rules before any in-person visit. That includes a showing, an inspection or a moving day.
How the phased reopening plan works
As Ontario reopens in stages, each step depends on how well the previous one goes. For the full background, read my posts on Ontario’s three-phase plan and the early signals of a gradual opening. You can also find official updates on the Government of Ontario website.
Follow the link for the full report:
Take care of yourselves, and follow the safety precautions set out by healthcare professionals.
Talk to a Mississauga real estate agent
Do you have questions about your home, your neighbourhood or your plans to buy or sell? Please send me a message or call me directly at 416 908 5600. I am A. Q. Mufti, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre Inc., Brokerage, and I am always glad to help. If this post was useful, you can also leave a Google review.
